Human sexual behavior
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- This article is about sex acts and practices (i.e., physical sex). Broader aspects of sexual behaviour such as social and psychological sexual issues are covered in related articles such as human sexuality, heterosexuality, and homosexuality.
Sexual activity in humans is a natural form of physical intimacy. It may be performed for the purposes of biological reproduction, spiritual transcendence, expressing affection, and/or for pleasure and enjoyment (known in this context as "sexual gratification"). The desire to have sex is one of the basic drives of human behavior. Every sexually reproductive animal species, and every human culture, has a range of conduct used in courtship, intimacy, and sexual activity.
Human sexual behavior is therefore the behaviors that human beings use when seeking sexual or relational partners, gaining approval of possible partners, forming relationships, showing sexual desire, and coitus.
It covers at least two major areas: anthropology (common or accepted practices across different cultures), and informational (background which is useful to individuals who may be engaged in, or considering, sexual activity).
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[edit] Aspects of human sexual behavior
[edit] Scope
Sexual behavior is a very broad expression. It covers both common and less common behaviours, and includes a wide range of sexual behaviors from marital relationships to sexual abuse. Although in many cases sexual behavior is directed towards or within a relationship, this is not necessarily of the case and much sexual behavior is not.
[edit] Sexuality and sensuality
There is no clear borderline between the sexual and nonsexual enjoyment of touching, or grabbing someone else's body. For example, holding hands may or may not have a sexual connotation, depending on culture, situation and other factors. Although the most common form of heterosexual sexual intercourse is universally regarded as sexual contact, there is a wide range of other sexual behaviors that may or may not be socially, legally, or ethically considered as sexual relations. The distinction between the sexual and the nonsexual becomes relevant in judging appropriate behavior, in either a social setting or in the eyes of the law.
Some criteria that may be applied are:
- the body parts involved (see also intimate parts)
- physical signs of sexual arousal
- subjective feeling
Enjoying touching someone else's body implies enjoying one's own body also; the latter may also happen without another person; enjoying one's own body also may or may not be of a sexual nature. If it is, it is called autoeroticism.
The whole of one's sexual activities (including erotic dreams and waking sexual fantasies and daydreams) is called one's sex life.
[edit] Scent and arousal
Pheromones serve to arouse males and females to be attracted to other persons[citation needed].
[edit] Sexual relationships
Opinions and norms vary about whether an emotional bond of a certain intensity and durability should be a prerequisite for sex (see also below).
Like other primates, Homo sapiens use sexuality for reproduction and for maintenance of social bonds. It is widely believed that children are capable of feeling sexual pleasure, even if they are not yet able to engage in sexual intercourse with each other, and/or are not yet biologically able to reproduce. Yet, child sexuality has historically been severely limited in western societies; in the late 19th century, the hysteria surrounding so-called "self-abuse" (masturbation) among children reached its peak and in the United-States led to the widespread adoption of circumcision.[1]
Many sexual activities can be engaged in by same sex or opposite sex partners. However some, most notably vaginal sexual intercourse, can only be engaged in by partners of opposite sexes, and others (such as tribadism and frication) can only be engaged in by partners of the same sex.
[edit] Cultural aspects
As with other behaviors, human high intelligence and complex societies have produced among the most complicated sexual behaviors of any animal. Most people experiment with a range of sexual activities during their lives, though they tend to engage in only a few of these regularly. Most people enjoy some sexual activities. However, most societies have defined some sexual activities as inappropriate (wrong person, wrong activity, wrong place, wrong time, etc.) Some people enjoy many different sexual activities, while others avoid sexual activities altogether for religious or other reasons (see chastity, sexual abstinence, asexuality). Historically, some societies and religions have viewed sex as appropriate only within marriage. There is still a widespread belief that sex acts are devalued when engaged in outside of a long-term, monogamous romantic relationship, but extra-marital sexual activity and casual sex became increasingly accepted in modern society during the sexual revolution.
[edit] Social norms and rules
Human sexual behavior, like many other kinds of activity engaged in by human beings, is generally governed by social rules that are culturally specific and vary widely (see sexual morality, sexual norms).
Some activities are illegal in some jurisdictions, including those conducted between (or among) consenting and competent adults (see sex crime, sodomy law, incest). Scientific studies suggest sexual fantasy, even of unusual interests, is usually a healthy activity.
Some people engage in various sexual activities as a business transaction. When this involves having sex with, or performing certain actual sexual acts for another person, it is called prostitution. Other aspects of the adult industry include (for example) telephone sex operators, strip clubs, erotic dancers, and the like.
Nearly all developed societies consider it a serious crime to force someone to engage in sexual behavior or to engage in sexual behavior with someone who does not consent. This is called sexual assault, and if sexual penetration occurs it is called rape, the most serious kind of sexual assault. The details of this distinction may vary among different legal jurisdictions. Also, precisely what constitutes effective consent to have sex varies from culture to culture and is frequently debated. In particular laws regulating what constitutes consent, including the minimum age at which a person can consent to have sex, are frequently the subject of political and moral debate (see age of consent).
[edit] Types of partnership
Sexual partners can cover many types, including:
- One-night stand
- Casual relationship (friends with benefits)
- Boyfriend or girlfriend
- Marriage or other committed long term relationship
- Illicit affairs
- Secondary or side relationships
- Prostitutes
Any of these may be explicit or hidden, deceptive or honest, legal or illegal, and may include fidelity or not.
It is also possible to engage in sexual activity without a partner, or (in some cases) without a knowing partner:
- Masturbation
- Sexual fantasizing
- Several paraphilias (transvestic fetishism, voyeurism, frotteurism, and so on)
[edit] Sexual relationships
A key sexual behavior throughout the entire animal kingdom is the seeking of a sex partner. Humans are no exception to this rule. A sexual encounter can be the result of the sending signals indicating readiness for sex, and being receptive to reciprocal signals. Or, it might be the result of years of planning, through the use of cultural rituals such as courtship and marriage.
Common methods:
- Arranged partnership - other adults (often parents) choose partners. In some cultures these are suggestions, in others, they carry the force of commands.
- Personal choice - a person chooses for themselves their own partner, according to their own wishes
- Status based roles - a high status person in some cultures may choose partners backed by the force of social custom, and low status persons have little or no choice or expectation of avoiding the same. (For example, some employer-employee liaisons, and droit de seigneur)
- Mutual trade - prostitution, or "both gain" type of arrangements.
Additionally, the pool of available and acceptable candidates may be limited, to own town, own religion, similar status, tactically advantageous (eg to cement social bonds or make peace), and so on.
[edit] The search for a partner
[edit] Locating and identifying potential partners
Industries devoted to enabling sex or sexual communication include nightclubs, singles bars, personal want ads (in newspapers and on the web), dating services, and brothels, among many others. Many organizations and clubs sponsor events that bring people with similar interests together. Religious and family connections provide another way for people to meet.
[edit] The encounter between potential partners
Once a person has located another person with whom they desire to have sex, the first thing usually done is to introduce themselves or position themselves in such a way that he or she will introduce himself or herself, or to non verbally demonstrate their sexual availability and interest to the person in question. This is usually not simple, and can be quite awkward.
[edit] Potential problems
[edit] The fear of rejection
The fear of rejection is common when trying to befriend a potential partner. If the participants are both sensitive to the other's signals, then they can detect quickly whether their sexual objectives are mutual. However, misreading another person's signals is a common occurence, and can lead to misunderstandings/disappoinment, and as such, this is a huge detractor in the stakes of relationships, and so many relationships are consigned to fantasies based on this fear. It is worth noting that some people consume alcohol, sometimes to excess, in order to "smooth things down," i.e, overcome this fear . If they discover soon enough that their objectives are at odds with one another, then a conversation can end before either one loses face, and then each person can seek others with whom to communicate. On the other hand, if the communication results in an escalating sense of intimacy for both participants, then a degree of trust is established that mitigates the fear of rejection.
[edit] Sexual activity and lifestyles
[edit] Different-gender sexuality
Different-gender sexuality involves two individuals of different genders. People who engage exclusively in different-gender sexual practices do not necessarily identify themselves as straight or heterosexual, though (unlike homosexual for same-gender sexual practices) most definitions of "heterosexual" would include them despite varying levels of activity, frequency, and interest. In fact, they may identify themselves as straight or heterosexual, bisexual, or asexual. Likewise, an individual who practices both same and different sex sexual behavior may identify himself or herself as gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, or asexual.
Though often associated with gay men, anal sex is a common different-gender sexual practice.[citation needed] The anus is "tighter" than the vagina and thus may be preferable to the male during penetration; additionally, many people enjoy flouting cultural sexual taboos. Anal sex is not advisable as birth control as it is still possible, though unlikely, for semen to enter the vagina. Different-gender anal sex is also often practiced where the woman penetrates the man with a strap-on dildo, known as pegging.
Different-sex sexual practices are limited by laws in many places. United States marriage laws may serve the purpose of encouraging people to only have sex (and children) within marriage. Sodomy laws were seen as encouraging different-sex sexual practices. Laws also ban adults from committing sexual abuse, committing sexual acts with anyone under an age of consent, performing sexual activities in public, and engaging in sexual activities for money (prostitution). Though these laws all cover same-sex sexual activities, they may differ with regards to punishment, and may be more frequently (or exclusively) enforced on those who engage in same-sex sexual activities. Laws also control the making and viewing of pornography, including pornography which portrays different-sex sexual activities.
Courtship, or dating, is the process through which some people choose potential sexual and/or marital partners. Among straight (presumably middle class) teenagers and adolescents in the mid-20th century in America, dating was something one could do with multiple people before choosing to "go steady" with only one, the eventual goal being either sex, marriage, or both. More recently dating has become what going steady was and the latter term has fallen into disuse.
Different-sex sexual practices may be monogamous, serially monogamous, or polyamorous, and, depending on the definition of sexual practice, abstinent or autoerotic (including masturbation).
Different moral and political movements have waged for changes in different-sex sexual practices including courting and marriage, though in all countries, changes are usually made only at a slow rate. Especially in the USA, campaigns have often sparked and been fueled by moral panic. There, movements to discourage same-sex sexual practices often claim to be strengthening different-sex sexual practices within marriage, such as Defense of Marriage Act and the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment.
[edit] Same-gender sexuality
Same-gender sexuality involves two individuals of the same gender. It is possible for homosexual acts to be committed by those who self-identify as heterosexual; e.g., mutual masturbation in the context of what may be considered "normal" heterosexual teen development. Homosexual people who pretend to lead a life of heterosexuality are often referred to as living "closeted" lives, that is, they hide their sexuality in the "closet". The term "closet case" is a derogatory term used to refer to another homosexual that hides his or her homosexuality, and "coming out" or "outing" refer to making that orientation (semi-) public voluntarily, or as an action by others, respectively.
The definition of homosexuality is a sexual attraction to members of one's own sex, though people who engage exclusively in same-sex sexual practices may not identify themselves as gay or lesbian. However, the degree of attraction complies with the varying levels of frequency, willingness, and/or interest. In sex-segregated environments, individuals may seek sex with others of their own gender (known as situational homosexuality). In other cases, some people may experiment or explore their sexuality with same (and/or different) gender sexual activity before defining their sexual identity. Health campaigns and officials often seek to target self-identified "straight" or bisexual men who have sex with men (MSM) as opposed to self-identified "gay" or homosexual men.
Despite stereotypes and common misconceptions, there are no forms of sexual activity exclusive to same-gender sexual behavior that can not also be found in opposite-gender sexual behavior, save those involving contact of the same sex genitalia such as tribadism and frot.
Among some sectors of African-Americans (called "men on the DL" or "down-low"), same-sex sexual behavior is sometimes viewed as solely for physical pleasure. Men on the "down-low" may engage in regular (though often covert) sex acts with other men while continuing sexual and romantic relationships with women. These men often shun the more commonly-known "gay" as a term applying to stereotypically flamboyant and effeminate men of European ancestry there, a group from which some may wish to distance themselves.
[edit] Auto-erotic sexuality
Autoeroticism is sexual activity that does not involve another person as partner. It can involve masturbation, though several paraphilias do not require a partner.
Though many autoerotic practices are relatively safe, some can be dangerous. These include autoerotic asphyxiation and self-bondage. The potential for injury or even death that exists while engaging in the partnered versions of these fetishes (choking and bondage, respectively) becomes drastically increased due to the isolation and lack of assistance in the event of a problem.
[edit] Alternative sexuality
A number of so-called alternative sexualities exist. These are usually based upon individual choice. They range from the broadly accepted or tolerated, through to the highly controversial and illegal.
Examples of these less common or alternative sexualities include BDSM activities where dominance and submission activities are central features of sexual activity, through to zoosexuality where the partner in a long term relationship is of another species.
[edit] Coercive and abusive sexuality
Sexual activity can also encompass sexual abuse - that is, coercive or abusive use of sexuality. Examples include: rape, lust murder, child sexual abuse, and zoosadism (animal abuse which may be sexual in nature), as well as (in many countries) certain non-consensual paraphilias such as frottage, telephone scatophilia (indecent phonecalls), and non-consensual exhibitionism and voyeurism (known as "indecent exposure" and "peeping tom" respectively).
[edit] Safety and ancillary issues
There are four main areas of risk in sexual activity, namely:
- choosing to trust a partner who is physically at risk
- sexually transmitted disease
- unwanted pregnancy
- seeking or engaging in an activity which is legally or culturally disapproved.
These risks are raised by any condition (temporary or permanent) which impairs one's judgement, such as excess alcohol or drugs, or emotional states such as loneliness, depression or euphoria (e.g. new students at college). Carefully considered activity can greatly reduce all of these issues.
[edit] Sexually transmitted disease
Sexual behaviors that involve contact with another person or the bodily fluids of another person entail some risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections. These techniques are generally seen as less necessary for those in committed fidelitous monogamous or polyamorous relationships with persons who have been demonstrated to be free of disease; see fluid bonding.
Due to health concerns arising from HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, HPV and other sexually transmitted infections, some people may want potential sex partners to be tested for STIs before engaging in sex.
[edit] Unwanted pregnancy
Sexual behaviors that involve the contact of semen with the vagina or vulva may result in pregnancy. To prevent pregnancy, many people employ a variety of birth control measures. The most popular methods of prevention are condoms, spermicides, the birth control pill, and sterilization.
[edit] Judgment impairment
Recreational drugs are often used in social settings in the belief that they enhance interpersonal communication. Some common recreational drugs are alcohol, cannabis, caffeine and nicotine.
- Alcohol is sometimes called a "social lubricant" because it reduces inhibitions, including those caused by the fear of rejection. At the same time, though, alcohol impairs judgment, making a person less receptive to subtle signals, which can result in less effective communication. More importantly, this judgment impairment can lead to poor decision-making regarding sex, such as engaging in unsafe sex. Inhibition of emotions like aggression is also impaired, and prolonged use/withdrawal might lead to paranoid delusions (see Othello syndrome)
- Cannabis can induce increased appreciation for humour and art, which might improve communication. But at the same time, it can cause one to become introspective, and thus less inclined to communicate.
- Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants. Others include amphetamines and cocaine. Stimulants can increase alertness and improve attention, which can improve one's ability to communicate effectively. But at same time time-perspective of planned actions shortens, proportionatelly to amount of artificial stimulation applied. Also impaired judgement applies to spheres related with either stamina (amphetamines) or anxiety/fear (caffeine/amphetamine) which may lead to performing risky behaviours, like unprotected sex, show-off during mating , etc, or exhaustive behaviour like sex marathons. inhibition of aggression is also impaired. prolonged use of stimulants may also lead to developing of paranoia, especially among individuals susceptible to Brief reactive psychosis.
Use of recreational drugs is frequently cited as a risk factor for health problems including sexually transmitted diseases, addiction, birth defects, heart disease, cancer and liver disease, among others.[1]
Most psychoactive drugs which influence sexual and communication sphere of human behaviour is also influencing neuroendocrine system, and can influence levels of hormones and neurohormones responsible for instinct behaviour,lactation,etc. See psychiatry and endocrinology for more details.
[edit] Legal issues related to sexual behavior
[edit] Sodomy and same sex laws
Various forms of same-gender sexual activity have been prohibited under law in many areas at different times in history. In 2003, the Lawrence v Texas United States Supreme Court decision overturned all such laws in the US.
Usually, though not always, such laws are termed sodomy laws, but also include issues such as age of consent laws, "decency" laws, and so forth. Laws prohibiting same-gender sexuality have varied widely throughout history, varying by culture, religious and social taboos and customs, etc. Often such laws are targeted or applied differently based on gender as well. For example, laws against same-gender sexual behavior in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, sodomy or "buggery" laws were aimed specifically at male same-gender sexual activity and did not target or even address female homosexuality. A well known example of such laws applied in modern times can be found in Alan Turing.
[edit] List of sex acts and practices
- There are many variations of sexual activities, and often multiple names for any given practice. For more detail see the comprehensive list of sex positions and list of sexual slang.
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[edit] General
[edit] Specialized BDSM and paraphilia related
Generally less common, but still widespread, are the various paraphilias. Some of the more common ones are:
- BDSM
- Bondage
- List of bondage positions
- Sadism and masochism
- Sexual masochism is the recurrent urge or behavior of wanting to be humiliated, beaten, bound, or otherwise made to suffer.
- Sexual sadism is the recurrent urge or behavior involving acts in which the pain or humiliation of the victim is sexually exciting.
- Domination and submission
- Impact play
- Fetishism is the use of non-sexual or nonliving objects to gain sexual excitement.
- Nyotaimori
- Pedophilia is the sexual attraction to prepubescent children.
- Wax play
- Zoophilia, the attraction to other species as partners.
[edit] Specialized verbal or visual activities
Some forms of sexual activity involve someone else, but not touching the other:
- Dirty talk
- Exhibitionism is the recurrent urge or behavior to expose one's genitals to an unsuspecting person.
- Voyeurism is the recurrent urge or behavior to observe an unsuspecting person who is naked, disrobing or engaging in sexual activities.
[edit] See also
- Sexual attraction
- History of human sexuality
- Sexual orientation
- Sexual function
- Sex education
- Sexual slang
- List of sex positions
- Lust
- MyBlackBook
Menstrual cycle/Estrous cycle: Menstruation - Follicular phase - Ovulation - Luteal phase
Gametogenesis: Spermatogenesis - Oogenesis
Human sexual behavior - Sexual intercourse - Erection - Ejaculation - Orgasm - Insemination - Fertilisation/Fertility - Pregnancy - Postpartum period
Prenatal development - Sexual dimorphism - Sexual differentiation - Puberty (Menarche, Adrenarche) - Maternal age/Paternal age - Climacteric (Menopause, Andropause)
Categories: Cleanup from January 2007 | All pages needing cleanup | Articles with unsourced statements since April 2007 | All articles with unsourced statements | Articles with unsourced statements since February 2007 | Wikipedia list cleanup | Human behavior | Human sexuality | Personal life | Self
